- Report on the proposal for a Council Directive amending Council Directive 2003/96/EC restructuring the Community framework for the taxation of energy products and electricity [COM(2011)0169 - C7-0105/2011 - 2011/0092(CNS)]
Reporteur: Astrid Lulling (A7-0052/2012)

Transcript:

Mr. President,

There is so much wrong with this proposal that it is difficult to know where to start in sixty seconds.

First of all, this is a move towards tax harmonisation. But tax harmonisation is a cartel operated by governments against the interests of citizens. The United Kingdom Independence Party, which I represent, supports tax competition, not tax harmonisation.

Secondly, the proposal aims to increase energy taxes. This will reduce the profitability of European companies, and undermine Europe's competitiveness in global markets.

Thirdly, the proposal adds yet another layer of complexity to the existing multiple layers of energy taxes and regulations.

And fourth, taxation is and must remain a national competence. This measure represents an unwarranted interference by Brussels into the affairs of member-states.